The Institutional Research Development Programme (IRDP - Research Niche Areas)

The Institutional Research Development Programme (IRDP) seeks to partner the higher education institutions in the development and enhancement of their research culture, environment, ethos and practice to become world class African universities in order to deliver in numbers and quality the skills required by the national system of innovation.For more information about the Research Niche area in FID go to The NRF RNA in FID page.

Thuthuka - Developing and Advancing Excellence in Researchers

The Thuthuka Programme falls within the Human and Institutional Capacity Development (HICD) directorate of the NRF. The various programmes and initiatives within the HICD are aimed at the development and support of people, infrastructure, facilities and systems.

The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP)

The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP) aims to boost South African industry by supporting research and technology development, and by enhancing the quality and quantity of appropriately skilled people.

Knowledge Interchange and Collaboration Programme (KIC)

The NRF has funded local and international travel and sponsored scientific events in various forms for many years. Over the years this support has become more and more complex in response to a number of external stimuli, until it has become difficult to access and administer. Initial attempts to simplify the situation have met with limited success. As the KIC receives considerable attention, attempts to streamline the process have potentially large returns.

New NRF funding programmes

The following funding programmes will be phased in during 2008 and 2009:
* Incentive funding for rated researchers
* Competitive support for unrated researchers
* Blue Skies Research Programme
* Collaborative Research Grants at National Research Facilities
* Funding formula for research at National Research Facilities
* Community engagement research